Samarium Sm 153 Lexidronam, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: samarium Sm 153 lexidronam, injection; Quadramet

What is this medicine used for?

This is a radioactive medicine given by injection (shot) into a vein to relieve the pain of bone lesions (tumors). This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• low blood platelet count
• heart failure
• kidney disease

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. You should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I use it?

The shot is given by a healthcare provider trained to administer radioactive drugs.

For several hours following the shot, radioactivity will be present in your urine. To protect yourself and others around you, take special precautions for 12 hours after the injection. If possible, use a toilet rather than a urinal (males), and flush the toilet several times after each use. Clean up any spilled urine completely and wash your hands thoroughly. If blood or urine gets on your clothing, wash the clothing separately or store the clothes for 1 or 2 weeks to allow the radioactivity to break down.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have blood tests often to find out how this medicine is affecting your blood and bone marrow. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

This medicine may affect your bone marrow. You may get infections more easily when you are receiving this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

Drink plenty of liquid before and after the injection so that you will urinate often. This helps to reduce the amount of radiation in your bladder.

For about 8 weeks after the injection, tell all healthcare providers, including your dentist and pharmacist, that you have received this medicine.

You may have more bone pain than usual shortly after the injection. This increase in pain is usually mild and does not last long. Ask your healthcare provider which types of painkillers you may take.

Men: Use effective birth control methods after injections of this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

If you travel, carry some form of identification that says you are taking this medicine. This medicine may set off certain kinds of screening devices.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Black tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, fever or chills, chest pain, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, unusual bruising or bleeding, slow or irregular heartbeat.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, weakness, cough or hoarseness, dizziness, drowsiness, increase in bone pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• cancer chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatments
• vaccines

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.